A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood Thursday, October 10, 2002 Page 21 Peter Gabriel’s ‘Up’ Is Downer; But Indies Don’t Disappoint Arts & Entertainment By ANDY GOLDENBERG happening. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Universal Music sent some good As fall arrives, the quantity of CD reissue material beginning with a two- Pen & Ink releases continues unabated. disc Deluxe Edition of The Who’s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 Beginning with his first album in “My Generation” album complete and make trouble,” encouraged about 30 (well, 10) years by Peter with bonus material and the sound Sarandon, who coincidentally has Gabriel, “Up” on Geffen Records is quality is extraordinary. Also from not as much a return to Universal come great a movie coming out this month. form as it is a continua- compilations of “Kiss” As inappropriate as the enter- tion of form from his last and “T-Rex.” tainment industry’s desperate album “Us.” Some smaller labels The moody keyboard have put out some great scramble to stage a 9/11 sounds abound, there is a reissue and new material fundraiser (which I’m still con- lot of dark lyrical imag- beginning with Cunei- vinced was done to keep the peace ery. While the themes of form Records out of the last album dealt with Maryland. Known for the between their pocketbooks and relationships, “Up” deals devotion to Progressive their adoring fans), it is equally more with the finality and Rock, Cuneiform has just improper for celebrities to get fragility of life. While I Beck, “Sea Change” released another in its ex- enjoyed “Up,” was a bit cellent series of “Soft involved in or attempt to influ- disappointed, considering it was a de- Machine” live material. ence political opinions. cade in the making. The latest, “Backwards,” features Barbra must simply keep her Another Geffen artist, Beck, released songs from 1968-1970, recorded in his new album, “Sea Change,” last the United States, France and En- famous nose out of where it week and it is also a melancholy, slow, gland. “Soft Machine” played an in- doesn’t belong. almost country-tinged affair. While I teresting combination of jazz-rock, enjoyed it, I found it hard to get through which was much different than the FOR THE RECORD: in some places. Yet, on repeated play- American fusion bands. Photos that accompanied the ing, it is really growing on me. His The quality of the mate- “Take the Stage” review of the “Mutations” album, which I rial is excellent as is the UCTP’s production should have been consider to be an underrated other live offering from Soft credited to Theater Reviewer Susan QUALITY HANDICRAFTS...Diane Smith, left, of The Center For Hope Hospice and Palliative Care in Linden, and masterpiece both in content Dougherty, not Mark Spina. Carole Schmitt of the Golden Goose Boutique show some of the new items which will appear at the upcoming show. The Machine drummer Robert hospice will receive all admission fees from the benefit. and sound quality, had the On the Wyatt’s other band, same effect. “Matching Mole.” “Smoke POPCORN™ While Beck is more Signals” is real treat for widely known for his hip- Beat Progressive Rock fans, as Golden Goose Craft Boutique hop beats a la “Odelay,” “Mu- this band released only a Sweet Home Alabama: tations” and “Sea Change” few albums. The sound really show off Beck’s knack for melody quality and performance is second to To Aid Center For Hope Hospice and constructing pop hook. none. Rebel Without A Clue WESTFIELD – The annual the door to benefit The Center For Finally, Geffen also released the new Zoe/Rounder Records has just re- One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent Golden Goose Craft & Gift Boutique Hope Hospice and Palliative Care. album by Sonic Youth entitled “Murray leased a great new album for Grant- will host a benefit and raffle for The Customers will also have the oppor- Street,” a seven-song collection of gui- Lee Phillips, “Ladies Love Oracle By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER coxswain would show us both sides of Center For Hope Hospice and Pallia- tunity to purchase raffle tickets on tar anti-pop. It is an excellent offering (LLO).” While his last album tried too 2 POPCORNS the coin at the same time. If there were by the New York City- tive Care in Linden, beginning on baskets of crafts. These monies will hard to meld hip-hop It’s not necessarily an indication of a any humor in the obvious ambiguity, Wednesday, October 16, from noon also benefit the hospice. based band, but I would with pop songs, LLO is he’d mine it without resorting to conve- have preferred more vo- good movie, just proof positive of how to 9 p.m. Hand-painted Christmas orna- a superb set of simple little I know when it comes to affairs of nient but simplistically unfair stereo- The event, which is also scheduled ments, grinning jack-o’-lanterns, cals by Kim Gordon. piano and acoustic gui- types. Speaking of a pop the heart. for Thursday, October 17, from 9 country bears, reindeer and trees will tar numbers that all rock. Even in the 11th hour of director In any case, at least there’s lively hook, RCA Records re- Finally, on the Indie- a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, October 18, be vended, as well as tole items, leased another gem by Andy Tennant’s Sweet Home Alabama, background music to accompany the from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, affordable antique and “shabby chic” label, Merge Records, lighthearted, celebratory mood that per- The Dave Matthews come two totally di- a jaunty but inconsistent farce about a October 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., furniture. Band, “Busted Stuff.” poor Southern lass (Reese Witherspoon) meates the doings. Only problem is, will be presented at the Westfield No strollers are permitted on verse-sounding yet en- we’re not exactly sure what we’re sup- Almost every tune could joyable albums from who makes it big in the rag trade, I Tennis Club, 139 North Chestnut Wednesday, due to large numbers of be Top 40 radio fare but Spoon and Imperial couldn’t deduce which of two suitors posed to be celebrating. So let’s synop- Street in Westfield. shoppers. Ample parking is avail- that is not an insult, as Imperial Teen, “On” Teen. Spoon’s “Kill The she would choose. size and make sure we haven’t missed A $1 donation will be collected at able. Matthews is definitely Moonlight” is a strange post-modern Nope...I couldn’t guess if Melanie something: on a roll musically. I would love to see batch of disturbing yet intriguing tunes. was going to pick wealthy and well- Melanie Carmichael, who was this band in intimate venue like the Imperial Teen’s “ON” is a full-on coifed Andrew (Patrick Dempsey), one Melanie Smooter before she attained Beacon Theater but I don’t see that happy pop record. of New York’s most eligible bachelors, fame and fortune, has agreed to wed or whether she would reunite with Jake Andrew Hennings, man about town and WYACT and WF Symphony (Josh Lucas), the rakishly handsome son of New York’s Mayor Kathryn country boy she left back in the bayou. “Kate” Hennings. However, when I later relayed that But before they can say “I do,” there To Reunite for New Year’s Eve Ghouls, Gourds and Hayrides are two problems the couple must over- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 specific quality about the film to an WESTFIELD — Last New “God Bless America.” The frightening ride, which costs $2, is residents is a small price to pay for the inquiring damsel, the immediate re- come. For one, Mayor Kate, deliciously Year’s Eve, the Westfield Young Art- Reminiscent of Fred Astaire and Gin- the advanced version of a milder hayride hayride and campfire festivities on tap at sponse was, “Ooh, O.K....don’t tell me.” dished up by Candice Bergen at her ists’ Cooperative Theatre, Inc. ger Rodgers, Judy Garland, Ethel that was held during the facility’s Mum Mountainside’s Trailside Nature & Sci- The thing is, I have heard that ooh cynical best, isn’t particularly enthralled (WYACT) and the Westfield Sym- Merman, Bing Crosby, and Rosemary Fest in September. ence Center. The next opportunity for before. It is an international expression with sonny boy’s fiancée. However, phony Orchestra (WSO) united to Clooney, audiences will be treated to Signs warning, “You’d Better Turn these activities will be tomorrow, Friday, of appraisal. By the lilt of the ooh, the that’s nothing compared to the stum- present “Richard Rodgers – A Cen- musical classics from such movies as Back Now!” will add to the goose bumps, October 11, at 6:30 p.m. trained ear can determine just how many bling block Melanie has yet to share tennial Celebra- “Top Hat,” but Miller assures The Leader/The Times Wherever the road takes Halloween karats of value are being attributed to with her newly intended. tion Of His Mu- “Easter Pa- that none of the actors jump in the hay revelers this season, prime chances for the item in question. It’s bad enough that she has embel- sic” at the Pres- rade,” “Holiday byterian Church Inn,” “White wagon or touch the participants. pumpkin picking are abound. Hence, this critic’s decision to give lished on her socioeconomic background, Miller added that pumpkin painting Alstede Farms, Route 513 in Chester, leaving Andrew et al to believe that she in Westfield. Christmas,” and Sweet Home Alabama an overall rating This coming shows such as and a straw fort with a hay slide have also plans to hold its 10-acre Fall Fun Corn of 2 (out of 4) may not tell the whole hails from somewhere akin to Tara. Much been drawing children. Food is also of- Maze, with all of its twists and turns, until New Year’s Eve, “Annie Get story. Because to those who would luxu- more egregious, the bogus Southern belle the WSO and Your Gun” and fered at all of the Parker events. Saturday, November 2, for an $8 admis- hasn’t informed any of her Yankee “It’s a ripping good time,” he said. riate in the perplexity of Melanie’s ro- WYACT will re- “Call Me sion fee. It’s only $6 for the Evening Corn friends that she was previously married, Future seasonal events detailed by Maze on October 18 and 19, 6 to 10 p.m., mantic quandary, the film’s curiosity unite at the Pres- Madam.” Miller will be announced. but you should bring flashlights. — piquing “ooh” value may make it let alone bothered to note that she has byterian Church “Puttin’ On Union County’s Division of Cultural Weekday hay wagon rides and pick- worth a lot closer to a 3. never obtained a divorce. to present The Ritz” will and Heritage Affairs has also planned your-own pumpkin activities cost $7 per However, that’s it in the suspense Oh, the inconvenience of an extant “Puttin’ On The Cynthia Meryl David Wroe take place on haunted hayrides for October 25 and 26 at child, $5 per adult, but are free during the and surprise department. Otherwise, spouse when one has opted to wed an- Ritz – The Music Tuesday, De- the Feltville Deserted Village in the weekend. For more information, please screenwriter C. Jay Cox’s adaptation of other. It is an age-old difficulty that has Of Irving Berlin, America’s Songwriter.” cember 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Presby- Watchung Reservation. Four dollars for call Kurt and Barbara Alstede at (908) Douglas Eboch’s story is pretty stan- doubtlessly vexed lovers since even The program will appeal to families of terian Church in Westfield, 140 Moun- county residents or $8 for out-of-county 879-7189. dard stuff, and not orchestrated that before Henry VIII sought his own solu- all ages. tain Avenue. Tickets, which cost $25 well to boot. First of all, director Tennant tion to the problem. Writers have penned “Puttin’ On The Ritz” will feature for adults and $12 for students, are is uncertain where to seat us. both tragedies and comedies about it. the best of Berlin, a potpourri of his available as of October 15 at the WSO At the outset, he has us viewing the While we suspect director Tennant is songs and music as played by the at 224 East Broad Street, The Town WSO’s Blockbuster Concert Book Store at 255 East Broad Street, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 tale from the point of the pretty protago- attempting humor with a moral lesson WSO under the baton of Maestro David ter in Rahway. David Wroe and the WSO audience had seldom heard from any en- nist. Pushed into one beauty pageant attached, it isn’t always evident. Wroe, and sung and danced by the Lancaster’s, Ltd. at 76 Elm Street, were in their finest form with their perfor- semble. Plus, we’re still not sure what we’re talented artists of WYACT under the and The Westfield Leader at 50 Elm after the next by a mother (Mary Kay Street. mance of this Russian masterpiece. Firstly, the reading was seamless. The Place) hell-bent on carving out a better celebrating, unless it’s the mating ritual direction of Cynthia Meryl. Perfectly crafted, and beautifully bal- constant flow of music was uninterrupted itself. Even if is, why is it wrapped in Songs include “Easter Parade,” Proceeds will benefit WYACT’s free life for her daughter, Melanie has devel- summer program and WSO’s educa- anced, the symphony, immense in scope, and cohesive. Secondly, whole sections: the sort of musical score you’d expect “White Christmas,” “Cheek To oped quite a superior attitude since wow- Cheek,” “Always,” “You’re Just In tional programs. For further informa- was written in 1907 and is widely recog- the strings, woodwinds, brass and percus- ing the Big Apple with her fashions. to accompany the clichéd antics por- nized as being the epitome of Russian sion, worked in perfect ensemble. Love,” “Anything You Can Do,” “A tion, please call WYACT at (908) 233- And there is a case made for the trayed in Smokey and the Bandit (1977) Couple Of Swells,” the title song and 3200 or the WSO at (908) 232-9400. symphonic romanticism. A constant stream Thirdly, tempi and musical phrases were highfalutin gal’s snobbery and self-in- or “The Dukes of Hazzard?” of unbridled melodies sweep past the lis- perfect — not rushed but not dragged. For dulgence, as if these were the well- Yes, it is the South. But there is no tener with every passing bar, underscored example, treacherous waters in the open automotive derring-do on the back roads by deep, rich orchestration. writing at the end of the third movement deserved spoils of her triumph over “There is something in the Russian soul contain many a snare for the conductor. poverty. We even have a few laughs at here. No po-lease in hot pursuit. No that corresponds to the immensity, the Maestro Wroe had obvious and com- the expense of those country folk moonshiners hightailing it from the revenu- Calderone School of Music vagueness, the infinitude of the Russian plete control of this section and guided Melanie has disavowed. ers. Just a woman with a tough decision to make. And no amount of banjo-strumming, land. The long introductory Largo surely the orchestra perfectly — without a But then the filmmaker plays a dirty THE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL evokes some vast, overcast Russian steppe. score. trick on us and changes the angle. His ramblin’ gamblin’ music is going to make The climax of the development section Individual solos were impeccable. Prin- story doesn’t really have any twists or her plight any more interesting. Established 1975 Certified Teachers resembles a tremendous winter storm, while cipal clarinet, William Shadel, one of the turns to give it momentum. The afore- Still, Tennant’s effort will please Private Instruction on the great Adagio conjures a glowing vista great heroes of the evening offered a beau- mentioned dilemma can energize the some because of that “ooh” factor. But of an endless, sunlit landscape,” wrote tiful solo in the aforementioned and famed saga only so much. So when it serves his rest assured that if the South should All Instruments, Voice and Ensembles Nicholas Berdayev. adagio which moved audience members to plot-moving purposes, Tennant has no ever rise again, it won’t be as a result of Kindermusik classes for ages 2 to 7 The WSO is in fact, not hard to read. It tears. The movement ended in profound compunction about fiddling with sociol- this movie. For while Sweet Home Ala- Riverwalk Plaza tells of the archetypal Romantic journey tranquility. ogy and flip-flopping his opinions. bama may be long on “ooh,” it’s aw- 34 Ridgedale Avenue • East Hanover 256 Morris Avenue • Springfield from darkness to light, despair to triumph, The final movement bursts in with exu- (973) 428-0405 281 Main Street(973) 467-4688• Millburn Suddenly, the denizens of Greenville, fully short on “oomph.” (973) 467 4688 as found in the symphonies of berant self-confidence. A pounding open- Ala., are not the backwater bumpkins Rachmaninov’s youthful idol Tchaikovsky. ing rhythm introduces a swaggering, * * * * * Conductor and orchestra summoned all march-like principal theme. The climax of he was making fun of, but the salt of the What is UNICO ? Earth, and Melanie is the intolerant Sweet Home Alabama, rated PG-13, of their powers to produce one of the finest the fourth movement was the crowning is a Touchstone Pictures release di- The largest Italian-American service organization in the world products that the astounded and grateful highlight of the evening and perhaps of the sophisticate. We’re confused. She was just the trailer park Cinderella. Now it rected by Andy Tennant and stars Reese What does this organization do? Romantic era. The overwhelming feeling Witherspoon, Josh Lucas and Patrick was one of a triumphant and joyous home- looks like the insensitive snoot is in Develops and runs events which raise money for charities Dwight Hiscano coming. Magnificent. need of a lesson. A more competent Dempsey. Running time: 103 minutes. and scholarships CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 Is it a new group? painters of the Hudson River School. Nationally, we are 80 years old, locally, the Scotch Plains- Hiscano is on the Board of Trustees for Fanwood Chapter is 29 years old the New Jersey chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), an organization Does it have any other purpose? which has adopted a nonpolitical ap- We promote Italian culture and heritage through events & proach to conservation. programs “TNC has been enormously successful at preserving land both her in New Jersey Is UNICO successful? and elsewhere,” he said. We have 130 chapters nationwide, 6000 men & women “I think we Americans have a deep members, have given millions to charities and scholarships connection to the earth. The American nationwide, have been instrumental in promoting a quality landscape served as the backdrop for national image for Italians and attended the Columbus Day most of the events of our rich history. ceremony at the White House last year Here, in heavily urbanized Northern New Why should I join? Jersey, we are in danger of losing that To become part of a team interested in doing something to connection. This is not a political issue, improve the lives of someone less fortunate, provide an op- this is a patriotic issue.” portunity for a worthwhile student and promote our proud Hiscano uses Pentax cameras for his heritage photographs. His work can be found in the corporate collections of Merck & Co., Inc., Any limitations on membership? Johnson and Johnson, AT&T and others. An American citizen and you, or your spouse must be of His photographs are also held in the private Italian heritage collections of former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and former Act- How do I learn more? ing Governor Donald DiFranscesco. Attend our ‘membership night’. Wednesday, October 16th, Hiscano’s photographs will remain on 7 PM, Giovanni Restaurant (South Ave., just past Terrill Rd.). display at Wisner House until Saturday, If you can’t make this night, call us at (908) 889-2200 ext. 1 November 2. Admission is free to the and leave a message. public during office hours, Monday to The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Chapter of UNICO - WWW.SPFUNICO.ORG Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK